I just bought a Magnum Ultra power pak, but it does not have any instruction.
Would you be able to scan the instruction paper for me, or anyone can scan or take a photo of it for me? I need to know how the brake button and the momentum button works, but most importantly, the difference between the variable DC and fixed DC outlet so my trains will not get fried. ???
Variable DC is for the track feed. It works off the throttle.
Brake slows the locomotive without touching the throttle.
Momentum accellerates and/or slows the locomotive at a more realistic rate while using the throttle. When momentum is on, you can advance the throttle and walk away as your train begins to move and finally reach the speed you advanced the throttle to. That's a neat feature if your locomotive doesn't have flywheels because it counteracts the horribly out of scale speeds that inexpensive locomotives tend to feature.
Oh, and momentum also stops the locomotive at a more realistic rate.
Quote from: Craig on August 16, 2007, 11:32:57 PM
Variable DC is for the track feed. It works off the throttle.
But what is the difference between this and the fixed DC?
The 'fixed DC' output is for turnouts, lighting and other accessories that require a fixed voltage.
Happy RRing,
Jerry
Good Morning All,
Fixed DC, while it could be used for Jerry says, is also there to allow one to put a separate throttle in line between the fixed DC terminals on the pack and the track, thus turning the pack into a dual throttle power pack. Fixed DC has a specific amount of DC current coming thru those terminals, say about 12-14 volts. Any track connected to those terminals will have your trains running at top speed and you will not be able to control them from the built in throttle.
Quote from: ebtbob on August 17, 2007, 06:54:02 AM
Good Morning All,
Fixed DC is also there to allow one to put a separate throttle in line between the fixed DC terminals on the pack and the track, thus turning the pack into a dual throttle power pack.
How does that work? Are there throttles out there that takes VDC input and then have VDC output (with no AC input)?
Also, I am planning to run two consists of four locos each in a four district layout. Will the Ultra (VDC20, 2amp) have enough power to do that, or just have enough to handle one consist?
Currently I am using the traditional old Bachmann black power pak (17 VDC), and it works very well with 2 locos towing 40 cars, but 3 is a little bit slow, and 4 grounds to a halt.
Couple of things. First, as far as power needed--conservatively assume that each loco requires one-half amp. Your 4-unit lash-up therefore needs at least 2 amps. If you're running 2 4-unit sets, I would use a separate power pack for each unless the pack is rated for about 10 amps.
Your typical DC power pack provides you with regulated DC, which controls the motor speed via a potentiometer or slider. It will also provide unregulated DC, which is the straight DC from the rectifier at full voltage provided by the transformer (about 12-14 volts). This can be used to power accessories like switch machines, building lights, etc. It can also be used to power items like accessory throttles, which are essentially a throttle control and reverse switch and normally used for walk-around control. Some power packs also provide AC power, which can also be used for some accessory items. This AC is also about 12-16 volts, NOT the 110 volts that powers the pack from the wall outlet.
Quote from: ebtnut on August 17, 2007, 01:09:53 PM
Your typical DC power pack provides unregulated DC, which is the straight DC from the rectifier at full voltage provided by the transformer (about 12-14 volts). It can also be used to power items like accessory throttles, which are essentially a throttle control and reverse switch and normally used for walk-around control.
Does that mean that if I get an accessory throttle, hook it up to the fixed DC section, I should be able to run 2 consists on 2 different districts?
In reality I only plan to run one consist at a time, since there is really only one track. The other three are the yards. So basically I can set the entire layout as one single district if I want to. But I like to separate the yards from the track so that while I can let consist #1 runs around, I can still move consist #2 within the yard.
Buzzie likes two things. Either the 6 cars mice train, or a very long 20+cars train. So having two trains always ready will be nice, as opposed to having to take one train off totally and assemble the other. ;D
Dear Conradin,
I have a couple of them, and I've never seen an instruction sheet. I'll see if service has any.
You can run two consists with another speed control, but they'll have to be completely isolated electrically.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
Why don't you just run your main with your Magnum and the yard with you old bachmann pack.
Quote from: RAM on August 18, 2007, 03:47:03 PM
Why don't you just run your main with your Magnum and the yard with you old bachmann pack.
That is actually my plan. I do have two black packs, and one modern gray cap. So technically each district can have its own pack. But I still wonder is it possible for the Magnum plus to handle two consists.
PS. When you turn the Magnum off, will the AC supply also be turned off?
Quote from: conradin on August 16, 2007, 11:17:40 PM
I just bought a Magnum Ultra power pak, …
Quote from: conradin on August 19, 2007, 04:29:45 AM
PS. When you turn the Magnum off, will the AC supply also be turned off?
Hmm… you have the power pack. You can very easily determine the answer to your question for yourself. ;)
Nope it is still in the mail. I won't receive it until next month.
Conradin,
Here is the bottom line, regardless of what power pack you use. If you have more than one pack, and plan to use them on the layout, the area to be controlled by one certain pack MUST be isolated electrically, via gaps in the rails(cut or by using plastic railjoiners)from any other part of the railroad. The problem there is, how do you cross a train from one section to another. At a certain point, you engine will be receiving power for two seperate power packs which is not good for the motor and will cause the engine to lurch forward or backwards and - God forbid, you have the power in one pack set forward and the other pack reverse.
Your original question about fixed DC was answered. At one time MRC and others made handheld throttles that were connected via two wires from the fixed dc screws on the pack to the throttle and two wires from the throttle to the tracks
As far as multiple zones or blocks on your railroad, they too will have to be isolated electrically from each other and the use of toggle switches or Atlas panels will help there.
Last point, when you turn off the master power to the powerpack, everything goes off. If all you do is turn the throttle to zero, then the AC screws are still engergized. If you are planning on using the AC screws for things like building lights, the I highly suggest you get a seperate powrer pack for any constant on lights to reduce the drain on the pack.
Many thanx! All my questions are now answered!
I also found a radio shack toggle switch which I can use for my waterfall. So I no longer need to have a separate power pak just for it ;-)